Bill > SB1451

This bill increases the criminal penalty for stealing or receiving a stolen check or similar sight order from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony. A state jail felony is a more serious criminal classification in Texas that typically carries a higher potential punishment compared to a misdemeanor. The bill specifies that this change in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date (September 1, 2025), meaning that for any offenses committed before this date, the previous legal classification of a Class A misdemeanor will still apply. This legislative change suggests an intent to treat theft of checks or sight orders more seriously, potentially as a deterrent to such financial crimes by imposing stricter potential consequences for offenders.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1451